Puri, Oct 6: The sacred month-long observance of Habishyali Brata, also known as Rai Damodar Brata, is set to begin Tuesday, October 7, in Puri.

Devout women from various districts have already arrived in the holy city of Srikshetra Puri to participate in this revered ritual.

This year, the district administration has arranged accommodation for the Habishyali devotees at four designated centres. Applications were invited online, and after verification, eligible women have started arriving at their assigned centres. The Brundabati Nivas Habishyali Centre welcomed the devotees with ceremonial greetings and hospitality.

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District Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida personally visited all Habishyali centres to inspect the arrangements and review the temple darshan logistics. Superintendent of Police also toured the camps to ensure robust security measures for the devotees. The administration has taken special care to provide a peaceful and spiritually enriching environment for the month-long stay.

During this period, the Habishyali women will observe strict rituals, including consuming only simple vegetarian meals and performing daily prayers and temple visits. The Brata is deeply rooted in tradition and is believed to bring spiritual merit and blessings from Lord Jagannath.

Puri SP Prateek Singh has revealed that special arrangements have been made for the darshan of Lord Jagannath at the Shreemandir for Habishyali devotees. Independent barricading has been set up at the Lion’s Gate (Singhadwara) of the temple. Similar dedicated arrangements have also been implemented at all sacred ponds (Tirtha Pushkarinis).

To ensure security, 22 platoons of police force, 4 Additional SPs, 15 DSPs, 15 Inspectors, 65 Sub-Inspectors, and 100 Constables will be deployed. Anticipating heavy crowds during the Panchuka period (the last five days of the holy month), separate arrangements will be enforced during that time as well.

The influx of devotees has added a vibrant spiritual atmosphere to Puri, with the city preparing to host thousands of women who will dedicate themselves to prayer and austerity for an entire month.